Jack O' Lantern

Justin and I bought one pumkin this year. I carved a face on one side and then covered it up with newspaper. Justin then carved the other half not knowing what my half looked like. It actually turned out pretty funny! Can you tell whose side is whose?

It looks like the poor thing had a stroke! :)

Oswald Annual Halloween Sha Bang!

Every Halloween Justin's family gets together for their annual Halloween bananza! It's a BIG deal! Not only do the children (all 27 of them) come in costume... but so do the adults. We're not talking about a sheet draped over you to resemble a ghost either... these costumes are extreme... usually hand made! No pressure here! We had a blast! Everyone meets out on the lawn of my brother-in-laws home for pictures and ooing, then it's the famous rat toss. I'm not exactly sure how the rat toss came to be... but every family has its history. The rat toss consists of everyone taking a turn (youngest to oldest) throwing a LARGE plastic rat under their legs and up over their head to see who can go the farthest. Needless to say, I've never won. It gets pretty funny in all the costumes. Jon and Jen's basement is a teenagers dream. Black lights, pool table, disco room... you name it... it's the place to party! Then everyone chows down on a 6 foot sub and homemade sides. It's a great time! This year I made Estin a banana costume with his monkey backback strapped on the back. Did it matter I spent ALL day trying to put the dumb thing together without so much as a pattern? Noooo... he screamed everytime I tried to put it on him! Oh well, he makes a cute little lion. I went as a pirate and Justin as my floozie!!! Can you believe it? I love it when he does stuff that is so out of character!!! See for yourself...

Tender Mercies...

So these past few weeks have been full of Heavenly Father's tender mercies. Please let me share a few... 1) I served a mission in Monroe, LA. just over 5 years ago. While there, I met a couple who became my adopted parents. I helped teach them the gospel and enjoyed being in their home a great deal. They were my family so far away from home. I kept in touch with them after my return to Utah but once I got married, I could no longer locate them. I tried and tried to find them. Christmas cards came back, emails were marked 'undeliverable' and their phone number was disconnected. This week, however, 3 years later... Pop sent me an email! Turns out they had been looking for me too!!! But... it gets even better than that!!! I saw them both just this morning in Rexburg as they were passing through!!! It was a wonderful reunion and I was reminded very quickly just how much the Lord really is in charge. 2) Shortly after I returned from my mission I joined an online friend community. I became connected with a young girl still in young womens. She talked about her family and asked me all sorts of gospel centered questions. I was happy to be her friend. 5 years later we're still in touch... she is no longer the mia maid I first met, but will be entering the MTC Wed. the 12th on my birthday! I can't believe it!!! I am SO happy for her and so glad I've had the chance to maybe help encourage her a little. A mission will change her life FOREVER!!! I can attest to that!

My Joy!

Aren't they cute! My niece Mylie (Michael and Nicole's), My son, Estin, My Nephew Owen (Aaron and Em's) The only one not pictured is baby Anna (Aaron and Em's)

Anna's Blessing

This weekend was my nieces baby blessing. Justin, Estin, Mom, August, Grandma and I left at 4:30am Sunday morning just to get there on time. The blessing was lovely. I'm glad we made the effort to be there. Afterwards, we attended the luncheon at the Sr. Citizen's Center. It was nice to be surrounded by so much family. It's not very often we have everyone there. As our families continue to grow, getting everyone in the same room at the same time is not always easy.

Aaron's always making Grandma do crazy things. You can tell by the look on her face she's enjoying the ride!

Summer is Over...

I am really sad to see summer and autumn go. It's been 4 months to the DAY since it last snowed. 4 MONTHS!!! Welcome to Iceburg!!!

Wow!!!

So... obviously we (I) don't keep up with this blogging thing like we should. Last post June... pathetic! Well as you can imagine, Estin has grown a TON since then and never ceases to amaze me the things he learns everyday. He's past "walking" and can now run just about anywhere you don't want him to go. Church is great! He can say words like "Oh no!" "Stuck" (usually togther with Oh No!) "Cracker" " Thank you" (ta tu) "Excuse me" (me me) "Uh Oh" "Amen" "Star" "Mamma" "Dada" "GeeGee" (Great Grandma) "Outside" "Shoe" "Sock" "Show" (for movie) "Baby" "Happy" and a few others... he's also learning to sign and is really picking up on the idea. I can't believe this helpless baby has become so "grown up" and independent.

Justin is enjoying working as an MA at Northridge (he also still works for the hospital). It's nice having him out of school for awhile. I have to enjoy this time while we have it together. Before we know it, he'll be in graduate school and I'll be a single parent again. We should be finding out in the next few months if it's PA school for us. If not this year, we know the Lord must have something else in store for us.

I LOVE hanging out with my little man! I am also watching another 18 month old 3 days a week and babysit twins on the side.... it's been great for Estin to be around other kids and it gives me a glimpse of what it might be like whenever #2 decides to come.

I'll try and be better about posting more regularly. Hope you enjoy our updates!

Our Growing Boy...

Estin is growing leaps and bounds! It's amazing how quickly he's learning. It's as if almost overnight he learns how to do something new. This is such a fun time for us watching him grow! It's hard to believe he was our "little" baby!

Our Little Man is Not So Little Anymore...

The Rexburg Air Show

We went to the annual Rexburg Airshow (6-14-08)

The Airshow was really cool! I felt like a Kid again. Estin was a little unsure about the loud plains that flew by... mostly the Russian Mig (the Russian planes in the movie TOP GUN). Kelli, Estin and I got a lot of sun, it was nice!

Trick planes looping

These planes were looping and flying around all day. We did a lot of looking around at the different Planes. The neatest planes were the WWII aircraft they had a bunch.

The B-25 Mitchell, P-51 mustang, P-40 flying tiger and F6F Hellcat to name a few. here are some other pictures and video for your enjoyment.

Trying new things...

Estin has learned how to put his video in the VCR... at least he's trying! :)

Estin's Walking

March 30th 10pm Estin took his first steps! What a surprise!!!

My BEAUTIFUL New Bed!

This is the bed Justin made for me. I helped design it and he built it! What a guy! He surprised me with it over Thanksgiving weekend. It was waiting for me when I got home!

Before and After

Estin and his crazy long hair. Standing up it measures over 3" long! It's time for his first haircut at 7 months old!

Justin and Estin with their new haircuts! Estin went from being my baby to my little man!

Happy Halloween!!!

Hello to everyone from Rexburg! Just thought we'd give this a try to stay connected to all our family and friends. We are all doing well and enjoying the summer. Justin is keeping busy working for the hospital in the morning and caring for Estin in the afternoons. He is happy to be done with school for another 5 weeks and is enjoying the "time off." I LOVE being a mom! Estin is the bright spot in my life (Besides Justin that is). I love seeing him reach new milestones each day. I am also currently working part-time at a Dr.'s office in the afternoons. It gives me a bit of a break, and Justin time to bond with his son (although I'd much rather stay at home). Estin is growing more and more active and fun everyday. He is starting to laugh and loves to carry on "conversations". We love our little man!